September 2011

newslink

ncca

Features:

Flame Retardant Carpet Cleaners Carnival ŠPure by Brintons

September 2011

The official journal of the National Carpet Cleaners Association

Contents

Published monthly by:

03 From the editor

The National Carpet Cleaners Association

03 President’s report 06 Combat the recession 09 Flame retardant treatment 10 Reviewing your routine

62c London Road, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5DH Tel: 0116 271 9550 Fax: 0116 271 9588 E-mail: admin@ncca.co.uk Website: www.ncca.co.uk

12 A carpet cleaner’s eye view of

Editor Nikki Law

carpet fitting

Editor in Chief Keith Robertson

14 Still learning 16 The Carpet Cleaners Carnival 20 The price is right 22 Take one sledgehammer...

23 A picture paints a thousand words 24 Cleaning velvet 26 The things you need to know about carpets 28 Embracing ‘green’ practices and technologies

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association or it’s officers or members. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the statements within this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, or omissions, or matters arising from any clerical or printing errors, and whilst every care is taken of manuscripts and photographs submitted to us, we can accept no responsibility for any loss or damage.

Design Editor Nikki Law President/ Technical Director Paul Pearce Training Director Pawlo Woloszyn Vice President/ Marketing Director Keith Robertson Member Liaison Director Glyn Charnock Associate Liaison Director Denise Pitt Vice President/ Events Director Nigel Lay

www.facebook.com/NCCAFloorCare www.twitter.com/NCCA_floorcare_ ©Carpet Cleaners Association Ltd 1994 (Trading as the National Carpet Cleaners Association).

No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Carpet Cleaners Association Ltd.

page 2

From the editor

T

here is less than a week to go until the Carpet Cleaners Carnival takes place, so now is the time to make your final decision on whether or not you will be attending.

The Carnival is to be held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, Northamptonshire and is set to be the best 'family friendly' industry event of the year, combining business together with fun!

There will be an exhibition, which is free to enter and will include top industry manufacturers, suppliers and advisors from within and outside of the Association, many of whom are offering very generous discounts on orders placed at the show.

There will also be various NCCA run activities throughout the day in the entertainment area.

Access to the park grounds, play area and lakeside is also free and the NCCA has negotiated generous discounts for families wishing to visit the

President’s report

R

feature attractions and fairground rides, together with FREE parking. These savings are available to anyone who preregisters with the NCCA office.

Nikki Law Vouchers and passes will need to be provided to you in advance for you to present on the day. So, if you are considering attending please phone us straight away on: 0116 271 9550.

Discounts will not be available without these tickets.

This exciting new venture is open to everyone and their friends and families. We are looking forward to it and hope to see you there. So, join us on the 17th September and be part of the very first Carpet Cleaners Carnival!

(See centre pages for full details together with programme).

Paul Pearce

ecently we have experienced a substantial increase in complaints made against NCCA members, so I would like to re-iterate that a professional carpet cleaning technician should never start cleaning without first conducting a survey and pre-cleaning inspection with the client.

There are many objectives of the pre-cleaning inspection; firstly it is to gather information to assist you in your work, secondly it is to put the customer at ease and increase trust, thirdly it will provide a clear paper trail and assist you in the unfortunate event of a complaint.

It is common for carpet cleaners to get blamed for many things that aren't their fault, something which could be avoided by documenting inspection results prior to the job and reporting them, in writing, to the client.

It may be that a potential client has a problem with their carpet, but doesn't notice it until they

have it cleaned and are closely inspecting the cleaning work carried out. Without reasonable explanation for the problem, the client will inevitably deduce that it is the cleaners fault. If you failed to perform a pre-inspection survey you may even believe this yourself!

Also remember that the 'post walk through' is every bit as important as the 'pre' but seldom done.

If you do this you will notice that it pleases your client immensely. On completing the work, turn off the machine, but leave everything set up until after the 'walk-through'. This time you ask your client if you may walk them through the freshly cleaned areas to make sure the cleaning meets their satisfaction. If they're unhappy with a particular area, it's much easier to start up the equipment and do it then than having to return the next day. This will also give you an opportunity to point out particular problems (hopefully pre-qualified) that you may have had.

Page 3

What will you find at the Carpet Cleaners Carnival on stand no. 9? you will be able to.... * Sign up for our monthly technical newsletter and pick up the latest one. * Talk to trained experienced Chemspec distributors. * See the brand NEW Professional Spotting Kit out soon. * See the latest in Green and Safe Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. * Sign up for our NEW Professional Cleaners Guide out late September. * Look at a wide range of the benchmark carpet and upholstery products from the Chemspec Europe scientific team, the true innovators.

If you are not going to be there contact us NOW at the address below Chemspec Europe, Tong Park, Otley Road, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD. Tel: 01274 597333 Fax: 01274 597444 E-mail: info@chemspec-europe.com Website: www.chemspec-europe.com

NCCA member referral results

New NCCA Members

Since publishing a referral statistics report in last month's Newslink there have been 156 recommendations for full members provided by the NCCA. This number is made up of 88 referrals from the NCCA office, 61 potential customers contacting members direct through the website and 7 referrals to members without an email address, which we have tracked using the office database.

If you have not yet supplied us with an email address, but would like to receive notification when your details have been given out, please contact the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550.

Vicon’s Cribs Ltd (Dartford, Kent)

FULL MEMBERS

Green Lion Cleaning Services (Bristol, Avon) Lightmark Solutions Ltd (London, NW10) Moving On Response Ltd (Ashford, Kent) Rival Cleaning Services (Dawlish, Devon)

RE-JOINED AS FULL MEMBER Hoyles Cleaning Specialists (Skipton, West Yorkshire)

ASSOCIATE MEMBER Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd (Blackburn, Lancashire)

Website enquiries Members may receive enquiries via the NCCA website. The site features a membership directory that includes a full list of NCCA members.

Visitors can search the directory by location, service or use the general search feature to find a company.

Enquiries from the NCCA website will be sent via email and go directly from the enquirer to the member, with the title “NCCA Member Enquiry”.

It is important that the office know your current email address for you to benefit from

this service. Please contact the office to make any changes to your entry.

Members also have the opportunity to advance their NCCA website listing for a small one-off fee. This includes benefits such as a direct link to your website, further copy space for promotional information about your company, your logo, or video, being included in your entry, your company name being highlighted within the list and more.

For further information please contact the office by phone or email and request an Advanced Entry order form.

Page 5

Keith Robertson

Stoneman’s Corner

Combat the recession

A

t a time when carpet retail giant Carpetright have announced a 70% profit slump and Kidderminster premier quality carpet manufacturer Brintons are seeking a £20,000,000 investment after a £9,000,000 loss, it is quite logical for each of us to consider time to review what is happening in our own businesses and what we should be doing about it.

Are you converting as many phone calls into jobs as you used to or is it becoming obvious that more of your potential customers are simply price shopping?

I am sure this varies from place to place and I have spoken to members who say they have been enjoying the best year ever, while others are much more hard pressed.

Business-sale.com quoted Michael Brinton, chairman of Brinton's, as once saying, “every time

there's a recession, carpets get hard hit.” They went on to say that the firm has also been a victim of changing fashion, as wooden flooring has been displacing carpets for many homeowners over the past decade.

If it's not going well for you then it could be time to take stock and decide how to move forward logically rather than drifting, or stagnating, which is all too easy if you have passed the first flush of youth and have been running your business for a number of years.

There are two basic things you should consider.

Firstly, you may need to step up your marketing effort rather than sitting back assuming your directory or on-line advertising is sufficient. You might need to increase your direct mail marketing or utilise social media in a productive way that incorporates your customers. page 6

After securing the job Marcin used a wax residue remover and rotary machine to remove the soiled coating, extracted the gunk and neutralised and pressure-cleaned the surface. After the job Marcin commented that he had problems removing the old wax coating and had to scrub every single tile to remove it, but when it was complete it came up well.

He left the tile until it was completely dry and returned to seal it. So far, so good. The next I knew about it was when Marcin emailed with a picture of the floor after the first coat, which showed a white deposit had appeared (see pic overleaf).

After receiving some advice Marcin returned to sort out the problem and finished the floor to a high standard. The customer was delighted and Marcin had completed a masterclass in tile restoration.

I am not suggesting that taking on a new niche is easy. As you can see from the above story, cleaning Continued on next page

Floor before work started page 7

ŠTile photograph: Keith Robertson

Secondly you may want to consider diversifying into a related, but different, field. For instance, sanding and maintaining the wood floors that so many of our clients like, or taking care of resilient flooring or ceramic or stone surfaces.

Member Marcin Kuszewski of Maxymus Carpet Care in Isleworth has done just this. Marcin attended the IICRC Stone & Tile Maintenance Course earlier this year and has started to work with this type of flooring.

Recently he dealt with a lady who had terracotta tiles on her kitchen floor. He remembered from his course the importance of the survey and so asked about the floor and carefully checked the surface.

He was told the floor was twelve years old and this was the first time it was to receive professional attention.

There were sides and edges of the tiles that were black and on testing it was possible to scratch the dirt off as it was glue.

ŠTile photographs: Keith Robertson

Continued from previous page and finishing floors in the 'real world' is quite different to being in a controlled classroom. Even when you have completed a course there will still be more to learn. You will need to practice and learn from your mistakes.

However, unlike carpet or fabric cleaning, in the case of stone and tile care and restoration all the mistakes you are likely to make are rectifiable, so in a way you are actually being paid to learn. So does it really matter that the first few jobs take two, or even three, times longer than you expected? The knowledge you build-up will hold you in good stead.

You will come to appreciate that some surfaces take longer and start to charge accordingly, and for the rest you can experiment with different techniques, products or equipment until you get it right.

Also bear in mind that right from the start you will be able to charge three, four or perhaps six times

the rate you would for carpet cleaning, so you don't need as many jobs each week to make an excellent living. It is also true that if your customer is happy they will certainly want to entrust you with their carpet, rug, upholstery and curtain cleaning and will most definitely refer you to friends and family.

Thanks Marcin for sharing this experience. If any other member would like to tell me what they are doing to push their business forward, whether from diversification or by improved marketing, please contact me: keithrobertson@ncca.co.uk and I will be pleased to pass on your experiences.

Let's not sit back expecting it to happen. Let's make it happen - NOW.

Mysterious white deposits

Floor on completion page 8

Flame retardant treatment

F

abrics are usually the main fuel source in a house fire. If a flame retardant was applied to these products it can be argued that it would reduce, or may even stop, the fire from spreading further. The occurrence of thick smoke and/or toxic gases, produced from burning materials in a fire, together with an intense heat (depending on the source of the fire), means that occupants will only have around 30 to 45 seconds to escape from a building after the fire alarm has been activated, if one has been fitted. Sadly this is not always so. The cost of a fire alarm is between ÂŁ5 and ÂŁ10, a small price to pay for staying alive.

So, with this in mind, would you consider applying flame retardant treatments as another service to offer your existing clients? Would it be a benefit and give them peace of mind? As with every service you offer your clients, first and foremost research the product(s), seek out some professional training and certification, pre-test the various treatments (some wash out quicker than others), ensure they are safe on fabric (some can change the colour of a fabric), seek assurance from your supplier/manufacturer

Peter Collins

that if liability becomes an issue they will support you.

If you venture into this service, use your existing clients; this will eliminate the cost of advertising (until the service takes off), as they know and trust you. Do your marketing well and be honest, consistent and clear in what you are achieving. Be a professional home safety technician.

Carry out a home safety check, provide your clients with fire safety sheets and discuss an effective escape plan, with a safe meeting point outside the house, in the event of a fire. Also point out that they will need to practice an escape drill on a regular basis. If followed correctly this could save lives.

Remember every time you clean your client's soft furnishings, some of the fire retardant will wash out, so re-applying it on a regular basis will protect them, their family and their home. Consumers are more aware nowadays of the hazards of fire. Should you choose to provide a professional home safety service, make sure you do your homework and be consistent. page 9

Reviewing your routine

N

Cecil Aigin (Honorary member)

o doubt every NCCA member has established a routine for carrying out insitu cleaning, but how often is the procedure reviewed?

A well planned, tried and tested procedure will ensure that work is carried out efficiently, safely, successfully and economically.

1) INITIAL CONTACT On arrival at the site, introduce yourself to your client. Review the work previously estimated and specified. Take a fresh look at the items to be processed and check if their condition has changed in the interim period. Are there any new stains and

soiling or damage not previously recorded? If there are, direct the changes to the attention of your client (put this in writing, preferably on a printed survey pad).

2) SAFETY ! Make certain that there is adequate ventilation in the area, particularly if solvents are to be used, and that all statutory safety requirements are observed.

Use protective gloves, goggles etc. as may be required. ! Do not allow children or pets to remain in the area, not even in doorways. ! Take extra special care with moisture levels both page 10

for the safety of the item to be cleaned and also for floor surfaces below. Parquet, wood block etc. may become distorted if moisture is allowed to penetrate the surfaces. ! Cover surrounding floor surfaces and items of furniture in order to avoid splashes from the cleaning process. ! Check for pre-existing adverse conditions and make sure your client is aware of them.

3) CLEANING PROCESS ! Check and pre-spot stains that may be more difficult to remove following a cleaning process.

Certain stains, i.e. cosmetics and ball pen ink, may smudge and transfer to cleaning tools and subsequently mark other areas. ! Pre-vacuum all areas using your own professional equipment. The excuse “my HWE machinery is powerful and draws out all the dust” is not valid; a large proportion of the particulate soil in a carpet is water soluble and will contaminate the cleaning fluids injected into the carpet pile. We must accept that we do not extract 100% of the moisture from the carpet; consequently, the remaining water in the carpet will be dirtier than if pre-vacuuming had been carried out, even though the carpet appeared to be well maintained by the owner.

Occasionally, a client will inform you that the carpet has just been vacuumed. Your response should be “thank you, but my equipment is more efficient than your domestic machine and it is part of my procedure to efficiently and safely extract

dust and grit prior to cleaning”. ! Carry out the cleaning process using a system, or combination of systems, selected to provide the most efficient clean. ! Inspect for residual soiling and staining and take appropriate action. ! Place protective pads below furniture legs and castors. ! Remove fluff and wipe splashes off skirting boards. ! Condition the pile surface and leave the area in the best possible order.

4) FINAL ACTION ! Remove all materials used in the processing. Don't forget spotting containers and brushes etc. Remove

from site all residual chemicals and solutions and dispose of with care. ! Advise the client not to walk directly on cleaned carpets and to keep children and pets out of all relevant rooms for a specified time. Provide advice on how long protective pads should be left under furniture. ! Indicate residual stains and soiling that you have been unable to remove. ! Provide a pamphlet describing 'after-cleaning care' together with a useful spotting guide. ! Ask if there is any further work for which you could provide an estimate.

By faithfully following a procedure, you will ensure that no aspect of the work is omitted and your professionalism will be impressed on your client. page 11

ŠCountry Collection by Cavalier Carpets

A carpet cleaner’s eye view of carpet fitting

O

ne problem a carpet-cleaning technician has to face is a badly fitted carpet. A good cleaning technician will always make sure that the carpet is secure around the edges and will check the integrity of any seams prior to cleaning.

Thankfully in the domestic market insecure seams appear to be a thing of the past, gone are the days of the liberal use of double sided tape or Copydex.

Some of the things we have to look for are: Grippers that have been fitted at an incorrect distance from the skirting board If the gap is too wide then the carpet will not be as

Derek Bolton

secure as it should be and there is always the possibility of shrinkage. Contrary to popular belief the gap between the gripper and the skirting board is NOT owned by your telephone-line-provider.

Unfortunately the customer doesn't always know this and wires are regularly placed there allowing the carpet to ride over the gripper's teeth when under tension.

Buckling Sometimes there is already evidence that buckling is present and may become more visible after a clean, if only temporary. page 12

Gripper missing Often the gripper is missing beneath radiators, which may allow a gap to appear after a clean. The reason for this omission is that the fitter often finds it easier to leave this section out than go to the trouble of fitting it correctly. Another area where this may occur is near patio doors. Often the customer will have work carried out such as a new door and the gripper is lifted and not replaced by the installers again - another area where dimensional change could occur. Sometimes the installers do attempt to refit the gripper and in doing so could shatter the solid floor leaving an insecure gripper. Occasionally there are no gripper rods fitted at all; it has been known for customers to remove them totally for some obscure reason or other.

Durafit/System Ten Identifying this style of installation will result in the

cleaner adopting a low-moisture technique to clean.

Delamination Over a period of time when the carpet comes into the cleaning cycle there may be some visual evidence that delamination of a secondary backing has occurred. This may be due to normal wear and tear or the breakdown of the latex bonding the secondary backing.

Inappropriate methods of fixing carpet The fitter may not use gripper rods, but instead choose to use an inappropriate aerosol spray mount on top of the underlay and then lay the carpet on this - obviously his or her own version of the Durafit system. If the cleaning technician doesn't pick this up he/she could be in trouble.

Wouldn't it be nice if all fitters belonged to NICF, the carpet fitter's Trade Association?

page 13

Still learning

Y

Ken Wainwright

ou're never too old to learn. In the last month I've had a couple of experiences which reinforced this message. One was me learning something new, the other was me teaching something new to a colleague.

The first example involves me being provided with an alternative way of doing something I previously

found extremely irritating - measuring out small amounts of chemical to mix up a ready to use solution. There are many new generation presprays which have dilution rates of 100:1, 150:1 and even leaner. I have found that using a syringe is probably page 14

the easiest way to measure out the correct quantities, however, once you are more than half way through a 5 litre container you have to decant it first before drawing it up into the syringe.

Well, I now have the solution to this problem and it's so simple it will make you smile!

As some of you will know, I often take 'apprentices' under my wing and help them build up their knowledge, understanding and hands-on-the-tools experience of our industry.

One such recent newbie is Brendan and he provided me with the answer I was looking for.

Brendan's solution to the problem was so simple - use a turkey baster! They're marked off in 10ml, 20ml and 30ml quantities and they're long enough to reach the bottom of a 5 litre container. Simples! This 'old dog' learnt a new trick.

The second example was of me teaching a seasoned colleague a 'new trick'. Cleaning carpets in licensed premises can often be a bit of a challenge, especially for those of us who don't use truckmounts. On one such job just last week, whilst I was confident of easy success, my colleague wasn't. Quite a lot of black top was evident. My tool of choice for agitating the prespray was a rotary machine with a scrubbing brush attached. But rather than use a sprayer, I chose to apply the pre-spray using the rotary machine's onboard water tank, shower feeding the solution as and when it was required. It's like shampooing the carpet but with a pre-spray. You have total control over the volume and applying it this way allows you to agitate immediately the solution hits the carpet, before any of it has time to be absorbed into the backing. And it's so much quicker than filling a sprayer, pumping it up, spraying, agitating, maybe spraying a bit more and agitating again; best of all, it doesn't compromise the results.

So never close your mind to new or different ways of doing things. Even the little things, as I have found, can make a difference.

Diary Dates 2011/2012 NCCA COURSES Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning 25th - 26th November 2011 20th - 21st January 2012 23rd - 24th March 2012 Health and Safety For The Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (NCCA members only) 17th November 2011 Spot and Stain Removal 18th November 2011 Hard Floor Cleaning 3rd - 4th November 2011 Leather Identification and Cleaning 24th November 2011 Carpet Cleaners Carnival 17th September 2011 Wicksteed Park, Kettering, Northamptonshire NCCA courses held at NSPCC Training Centre, Leicester unless otherwise stated.

Visit: www.ncca.co.uk for booking forms and further details.

IICRC COURSES (SURREY) Carpet Cleaning Technician 15th -16th September 2011 with Adam Jankowski Water Restoration Technician 20th - 22nd September 2011with Adam Jankowski Held at National Flood School, Farnham, Surrey. Tel: 01252 821185

IICRC COURSES (HERTS) Stone, Masonry and Ceramic Tile Cleaning Technician 5th - 6th September 2011 with Keith Robertson Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician 13th - 14th September 2011 with Paul Pearce Held at Alltec Network, Royston, Hertfordshire.

Tel: 01763 208222

page 15

Carpet Cleaners Carnival!

17th September Wicksteed Park Kettering Northamptonshire

T

here are only a few days to go until the Carpet Cleaners Carnival (CCC) takes place!

Whether you are a business owner, technician, supplier or member of a family with a vested interest, the Carpet Cleaners Carnival is for you.

This exciting new venture will combine fun and festivities together with business and is open to everyone, along with their friends and families. Best of all, it's FREE to attend!

The event provides an excellent networking opportunity and will include an exhibition populated by top industry manufacturers and suppliers from within and outside the Association, many of whom are offering very generous discounts on any orders placed at the show. Entry to the exhibition is FREE and is to be held in The Pavilion, starting at 9.30am and finishing at 5.00pm.

There will be various activities running throughout the day in the entertainment area, including demonstrations on Leather repair and Carpet Repair, Skittle Alley Challenge, Beat the Buzzer and

Penalty Shoot Out. Prizes will be awarded for the best scores and times in each challenge, as well as the best accumulative score for the whole day.

Listen out for the announcements.

You will also be able to relax with a soothing head massage or transform your look by visiting Fun faces professional Face Painting. There will be other stands offering industry support services to give you new ideas for marketing, financing options and legal advice amongst others.

Wicksteed is a popular day out destination for families, with everything to keep kids entertained for the day. The attractions include a fairground, waterside activities and one of the largest playgrounds in Europe. Access to the park grounds, play area and lakeside are free, but for those of you who want to experience the rides and feature attractions you can purchase a wristband at a discounted price using a voucher provided by the NCCA. In addition to the discounted entry to the page 16

fairground, the NCCA has also negotiated free parking for all Carnival visitors (normally £6).

It is vitally important that you pre-register with the NCCA office to be eligible for the above discounts. Vouchers and passes will need to be provided in advance and these offers will not be available on the day without them.

We are looking forward to this exciting new venture and some fun and festivities for the entire carpet and upholstery cleaning industry. If you don't come you'll be missing out, so join us on the 17th September and be part of the very first Carpet Cleaners Carnival!

Call the NCCA office TODAY on: 0116 271 9550 to pre-register and to receive all the discounts available to you.

Last month we included profiles from each of the companies due to exhibit at the CCC. Since then further companies have confirmed that they will also be exhibiting at the event. They are as follows:

Mammafiglia Ltd (designer handbags) Providing leather accessories and gifts inspired by colour from across the globe.

Tel: Pauline Goodman on: 0800 458 9477 E: info@mammafiglia.co.uk

Perfect Promotional Products Perfect Promotional Products is a dynamic young company supplying Promotional Products, Business Gifts, Printed Merchandise and Corporate Clothing to companies of all shapes and sizes.

“We understand the importance of deadlines and how finding key advertising and marketing solutions can make all the difference to your business or campaign. We will partner you in reaching out to your customers in a way that keeps your business and products or services at the forefront of their minds.

Our mission is to make it easy for you to promote your business in an efficient and cost-effective manner. We are constantly looking for new products that may help you market your company to existing and potential customers.

Utilising over 25 years' experience from direct purchasing in Europe and the Far East, importing,

supply and marketing, we offer a winning combination with excellent service to our customers.

We feature an exciting range of Eco Friendly products alongside our standard and comprehensive range of bags, caps, clothing, conference and executive gifts, mouse mats, mugs, pens, sweets, umbrellas and USB flash drives.

All our products can be supplied either plain or personalised.

For your own bespoke quotations please feel free to contact us with your requirements and we guarantee your satisfaction”.

Contact Steve on: steve@perfectpromo.co.uk, telephone: 01933 420624 or visit our website at www.perfectpromo.co.uk

Isis Legal We pride ourselves in offering an efficient, personal, friendly and confidential service.

We can cater for a range of legal needs, including: ! Family and Matrimonial Law ! Wills and Probate ! Conveyancing ! Company and Commercial ! Landlord and Tenant ! Employment Law ! Debt Recovery Our office are equipped with the latest technology and our Staff are trained to provide both legal advice and specialist expertise.

No problem is too small and absolute confidentiality is assured.

Tel: 01536 485398 / E: S.Franklin@Isis-legal.co.uk www.isis-legal.co.uk

A&R Print Solutions Ltd “A&R Print Solutions was formed in May 2002 and currently supplies to varying sizes of businesses throughout the UK. The businesses vary from small one man bands right through to multi-national companies, each being given the same level of personal service.

The core items that we supply are printed stationery, leaflets, brochures, self-carbonated pads, Continued on next page page 17

Continued from previous page labels and wide format printing in the form of exhibition stands/graphics, external pvc banners and signs. We pride ourselves in ‘going the extra mile’ for all of our customers and are always prepared to find a solution to a customers extraordinary or bespoke requirements.

We work very closely with a local Graphic Design Agency, so all aspects of design work can be undertaken from a simple change of details on a business card through to a complete re-brand for a company”.

For more information please visit www.printeronline.co.uk or call Nigel on: 01933 461520

Payatrader Payatrader is brought to you by Acceptacard Limited, in partnership with the NCCA. “At Payatrader we know that taking credit and debit card payments can be very expensive for small tradesmen, particularly if the volume of payments you expect to take each month is low. That's where we come to the rescue, with our low cost ‘Pay As You Go’ card acceptance service that brings affordable card acceptance to those who provide services to the home, such as builders, carpet cleaners, electricians, plumbers, tilers, decorators, cleaners, gardeners, mobile hairdressers and many more.

With Payatrader you can take payments without any need for a terminal - which means there's no terminal rental to pay, no minimum usage or other recurring charges. Our rates are also competitive, starting at just 2.3%.

Customers can pay by phone (they can either call our 24/7 phone service, or they can call you and you can input their card details into the Payatrader Virtual Terminal), online either via Payatrader.com or using the FREE payment button provided for your own web site or by mobile phone.

Remember! By accepting cards you give your existing and prospective customers more choice.

You also give them the option to spread the payment using their own credit card facility - very useful for unforeseen expenditure or more

expensive work, such as a whole house carpet clean, where the householder would like it done sooner rather than later.

Finally, don't forget to ask us about our special offer for NCCA members!”

Acceptacard Ltd, Victory House, 400 Pavilion Drive, Northampton, NN4 7PA. Tel: 0844 247 2450. www.payatrader.com

Shires Group of Holistic Practitioners The Shires Group of Holistic Practitioners, are a group of therapists who are working together to promote the benefits of complementary therapies in and around the Northamptonshire area.

Telephone Janet on: 07790 827 948 E: janet.flowers@hertshealing.co.uk www.shiresholistics.co.uk

Fun Faces (face painting) “Fun Faces have 16 years experience. We are based in the Midlands but cover events throughout the UK. We use professional water based paints which are formulated to be friendly to the most delicate skins.

Products used are manufactured using ingredients which are non-toxic and fully compliant with EU and FDA toy and cosmetic regulations. All paints and glitters are easily removed with warm soapy water”.

Contact Stephanie Farwell on: 01530 456733 E: Stephanie.farwell@ntlworld.com www.fun-faces.co.uk

Kirsty's Kids (The Kirsty Bryden Memorial Trust) Member, John Bryden’s, daughter Kirsty devoted her life to nursing sick, dying children, children with special needs and their siblings. The Trust was set up to honour Kirsty and continue her work.

All proceeds to the Trust from fund-raising go to Kirstys Kids directly. www.kirstyskids.org Health Saver 23 Canterbury Walk, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Gl51 3HQ. Telephone Nick Browning on: 07980 610162 or 01302 719872. page 18

OTHER EXHIBITORS AT THE CCC (Full profiles included in August edition of Newslink)

Alltec Network Butts Business Centre, Fowlmere, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7SL. Tel: 01763 208222 / E: info@alltec.co.uk www.alltec.co.uk

Amtech UK Unit 2 Sovereign Business Park, Albert Drive, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TY. Tel: 01444 23 22 11 / E: info@amtechuk.co.uk www.amtechuk.co.uk

Textile Cleaning Solutions

Tel: 01405 813665 / E: advice@getbookedup.co.uk www.getbookedup.com

Centre House, Coker Road, Worle Industrial Estate, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS22 6BX. Tel: 01934 521155 / E: sales@texatherm.com www.texatherm.com

Dry Fusion UK Ltd

CleanPro Software Solutions UK Ltd

Unit 119, Clydesdale Place, Leyland, Lancashire, PR26 7QS Tel: 01772 433711 / E: sales@dryfusionuk.com www.dryfusionuk.com

543 Hitchin Road, Stopsley, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 7UL. Tel: 01582 518467

Client Database Marketing Solutions Ltd

Cleaners Warehouse Unit 119, Clydesdale Place, Leyland, Lancashire, PR26 7QS. Tel: 01772 434333 E: sales@cleanerswarehouse.co.uk www.cleanerswarehouse.co.uk

Chemspec Limited P.O. Box 133, Staines, Middlesex, TW19 7ND Tel: 01784 259814

Day’s Itinerary 9.30 - Official opening - Glyn Charnock (Main Entrance) 10.00 to 11.00 - Skittle Challenge (Entertainment/Demo Area)

WoolSafe Organisation

11.15 to 12.00 - Leather Repair Demonstration (Entertainment/Demo Area)

49 Boroughgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1AG. Tel: 01943 850817 / E: office@woolsafe.org www.woolsafe.org

13.00 to 13.15 - Honorary Members presentation (Stage in refreshment area)

Asset Finance Solutions The Innovation Centre, 1 Evolution Park, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 2FD. Tel: 07740 095701 or 01254 584404 E: justin.ford@afsuk.com

Chemspec Europe Unit 36c Tong Park, Otley Road, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD. Tel: 01274 597333 E: info@chemspec-europe.com www.chemspec-europe.com

SB Web Consulting Ltd Suites 3 & 4, Parker House, Mansfield Road, Derby, Derbyshire, DE21 4SZ. Tel: 01332 298011 / E: info@myrentawebste.co.uk www.myrentawebsite.co.uk

13.15 to 14.15 - Beat the Buzzer (Entertainment/Demo Area) 14.30 to 15.15 - Carpet Repair Demonstration (Entertainment/Demo Area) 15.30 to 16.30 - Penalty Shoot Out (Entertainment/Demo Area) 16.45 - Raffle Announcements and prize giving (Stage in refreshment area) 17.00 - Official closing - Glyn Charnock (Stage in Refreshment area)

page 19

The price is right

O

David Coker

ver the past three years, I've made my own business a 'lifestyle' business. I have no staff (whereas previously I've had up to five), work a maximum of three days and take at least three holidays abroad every year. And I don't 'phone home' to check the answerphone every few hours!

All this has been made possible by effective marketing - selling to the 'right' customers at the 'right' price and giving them 'best value'.

Anyway, just the other day I thought about booking my first holiday for next year. I checked online to see what sort of price I would have to pay.

Then I went into a high street travel agent to see if they could perhaps do a better deal.

The lady I spoke to immediately informed me that she was not a sales advisor but was in fact 'cabin crew'. She was pregnant and so the travel agent was simply making use of her as cheap labour in the shop. After taking note of all my requirements, a

total price came up on the computer screen. The very first thing that she did was to immediately say that she could discount the price as it seemed a bit high. As it happens the price was in the region of another quote I had.

Now all this made me think. There were at least four lessons to be learnt from our exchange that could easily translate to our business of carpet cleaning.

Here they are: LESSON 1: Make sure that everyone involved in selling has some sort of sales training and understands the psychology of the buyer, otherwise they will react to price exactly as the cabin crew lady did here. And what impression did it give? That I was being overcharged to begin with!

LESSON 2: Don't capitulate on price. People are buying value NOT price. People don't buy a Mercedes just to get from A to B. Mercedes dealers don't discount to compete with Vauxhall or Ford. page 20

There's always more involved that gives them greater value. I always recommend using a computer program to come up with the costs so that it's very hard to change the price. Many times my computer has produced a price that I thought the customer would never pay, only to be surprised.

Customers can sense if we're uneasy about our price and will then try to negotiate. I've repeatedly found that customers take the view that 'the laptop has spoken' when it comes to price and simply accept it as 'the price', which of course, it is.

LESSON 3: If they want to change the price then you change the package. The price I was originally quoted for was 'All Inclusive' and for a 'Water Villa over the sea'. (Can you guess where I'm going yet?).

So.... could I drop down to Half Board or have a plain old bungalow by the waters edge instead of over water? If your customers want to change the price, get them to empty the room of all furniture for example.

LESSON 4: Don't discount‌ Add value. Could the lady in the travel agents have added something to my holiday that costs them very little but has high perceived value to me? For example, pre-booked seats on the plane or late check-out or something else that costs them very little.

Of course, if your clients are only concerned about price it may be better to ‘sack’ them and get clients that will pay more for a quality service. The lady in the travel agents asked me how much I was expecting to pay. I gave an artificially low price, about a thousand pounds less! (Don't all buyers do this?) She then tried her best to see how low she could get the price. Instead she perhaps should have just 'sacked' me.

We mustn't be timid in explaining our prices to prospects. We must be able to confidently justify our charges compared to other cleaners. And do this in a way that our prospects perceive as 'best value' for them.

page 21

ŠDerek Bolton

Dye bleed: reverse fabric Just one of the many things which can go wrong

Take one sledgehammer...

Derek Bolton

I

t is one of my beliefs Derek demonstrates how not to approach that there are a great upholstery cleaning. many people out there Funny... it’s reminding me of who often don't think something! things through properly and (the editor) I am afraid that some soft furnishing cleaning technicians should be included in this category.

There are those technicians who don't have sufficient knowledge to 'think outside the box' (I hate these Americanisms but in this case it seems so apt) and then there are those who do have the knowledge but suffer, maybe just for one brief moment, a lapse in concentration that often results

in a serious problem.

When you reach a more mature age these are often referred to as 'senior moments.’ Many problems would never arise if technicians checked out the item to be cleaned properly before commencing the cleaning operation. Often they have no idea what the fibres or constructions are, which is really sad when articles have been page 22

written so often on the subject within Newslink.

Some of the most common examples of the ‘sledgehammer’ approach take place when dealing with overly soiled carpets or soft furnishings or attempts at stain removal.

Scenario 1: You are faced with a heavily soiled carpet. Initially it may appear that the most natural thing to do is to reach for a stronger cleaning chemical or maybe turn up the heat (the sledgehammer).

But this, of course, will increase the risks of causing damage to the item being cleaned. There is always an alternative, a more gentle approach, a safer way, and it just takes a few moments of your time to think things through.

The use of high pH chemicals may lead to cellulosic browning unless neutralised, plus these chemicals will damage wool fibres.

High heat will speed up chemical reactions allowing greater penetration of moisture so the risks of shrinkage increase. Check for any insecure edges and weak seams.

Scenario 2: You have a dark fabric to clean, which is also rather dirty and maybe has a few nasty stains for you to deal with too. The tendency when faced

with this grubby substrate is to go for the aforementioned ‘sledgehammer’ approach. It's dirty so you need something stronger. Weigh up the increased risks before deciding on this route.

Firstly, have you checked out the fabric? Don't forget to look at the back of the fabric as this will often give clear indications of any problems that may arise.

Will you remove colour by using a stronger cleaning solution or more abrasive agitation? Are you going to use an even stronger spot and stain remover? Are you intending to scrub the area in an effort to remove the stain? Stop and think!

There is always an alternative. This alternative may take a few minutes longer but the risks will be reduced significantly and the same or even better results can be achieved.

Many cleaning technicians do not allow for any additional time being spent in cleaning safely within their pricing structure, hence the sledgehammer approach with all the risks involved.

So maybe this is an opportunity to reassess your prices, also to give a better and safer service to your clientele.

A picture paints a thousand words

W

hen it comes to your website this saying has never been so apt. If the images displayed on your site are too small, too grainy or have clutter in the back of the image you are devaluing your products and services. Images should be large enough for the detail to be seen, which will enable your product or service to sell itself. Imagine going to a website and seeing a tiny image of a carpet that has been cleaned, which is badly lit and grainy with lots of clutter in the background; would you buy from this website? Most people would not; the images create trust, and if the image looks slick then it portrays your company as professional and therefore trustworthy.

Make sure that your service has a good

www.SiteWizard.co.uk

description, including high quality ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of work completed. When people are browsing for specific services online they are generally looking to purchase and a lack of information will move them quickly on to a competitor's website. Don't lose potential sales because of a lack of information. Ensure that your website is working as hard as it can for you. It is hard enough getting traffic in the first place; make sure that you don't lose it due to a lack of usability once your visitor has found you. To truly track how user-friendly your website is, ensure that you have Google Analytics installed. It is a free tool that will let you know how long visitors are staying on your site, and therefore how easy it is to use. www.SiteWizard.co.uk/ncca page 23

Cleaning velvet

V

Peter Collins

elvet is one of the only materials you can actually ruin using just about any cleaning technique if you are not extremely careful.

This is because it is a fine weaved material produced with using complex procedures, including heavy double weaving to create a thick, soft fuzzy effect. The problem with cleaning velvet is that there is a high risk of actually crushing this weaving effect and changing the texture to something much less appealing. Sadly the damage is often irreversible.

Because velvet is a weave, and not a fabric, it may be composed of many different fibres. It is therefore essential that it is thoroughly tested prior to cleaning to determine the method you are going to use. Remember to carry out your pre-cleaning test in an inconspicuous area.

Velvet usually responds well to combined wet and dry cleaning techniques, depending on your test results. However, if you choose to use a low wet moisture method make sure you do not over wet.

You will also need to leave plenty of time to clean page 24

the item/s, as you will be using special finishing techniques to return this material back to its original appearance.

Please note that velvet does require special attention. During the actual cleaning process always work the velvet in the direction of the nap, rather than against it; this includes vacuuming, brush agitation and extraction. Immediately after cleaning each section groom the velvet in the direction of the nap (in other words brush it down). Do not try to brush against the nap while it is wet. Once the cleaning process is complete and the fabric is totally dry it is a good idea to then groom the pile against the nap using a brass velvet brush. This will lift and separate the fibres and bring back the soft feel of the velvet. You must then groom the velvet in the direction of the nap again to finish off.

Always remember, when brushing a velvet

material, to brush in the direction of the nap before and after vacuuming, or cleaning, as this will ensure that the weave on the velvet material does not 'set' and that none of the velvet accidentally separates.

As a point of interest you can purchase a nozzle especially for vacuuming velvet.

In my experience it is usually best to treat stains prior to cleaning velvet. While treating any problem areas do not push down, and never rub, as you will risk pushing the stain further into the material and could cause permanent damage to the velvet. I find very light dabbing with a soft white cloth is the best method. This takes time, so don't rush it.

Choose your cleaning method(s) wisely. When dealing with velvet it's like romancing a woman they're both soft to the touch, exquisite and beautiful, but get it wrong and boy are you in trouble!

page 25

ŠStripes by Brintons

The things you need to know about carpets Sprouting Occasionally an odd tuft or two can work its way to the surface and stand proud of the rest of the pile.

This is probably due to one end of the tuft being longer than the other i.e. J shaped tuft instead of V shaped. Remedial action merely requires that the offending tufts be scissor trimmed level with the rest of the pile. They should never be pulled out.

Pulled loops Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile are pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object, which has caught in a loop in situ and

NCCA Library

has resulted in a pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder.

Shedding All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as 'fluff'.

The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet. page 26

Shading Shading occurs because the pile of the carpet has become crushed, flattened or brushed in a different direction to the natural lie of the pile whilst in situ. This causes light reflection at differing angles resulting in the creation of light and dark patches on the carpet. This will occur on all pile fabrics but can be more noticeable on plainer carpets because the shadows created by the pile pressure will not be disguised by a heavy pattern or design.

Static Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object, which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc).

The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions.

Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment.

Pile reversal Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as 'watermarking'. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian and even Coir Matting. Like shading, it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive.

There is no commonly known manufacturing

process, which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault.

Fading on wool Carpets made from wool can, and do, fade in use.

The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected.

Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light, which is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or 'bleaching' the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair.

Flattening Flattening will occur as a result of traffic, which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use. All pile fabrics will flatten to a greater or lesser degree, dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.

Dust Dust which is carried on draughts can soil carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on the surface might suggest airborne dust vacuum-drawn through poorly fitted floorboards. Sometimes the shape of the floorboards can be seen quite clearly. Air borne dust sometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, this is due to the air carried on a draught under the carpet escaping through minute holes both in the underlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited on the pile much like a filter action. In such installations, the use of a lining paper is essential as a preventative measure.

It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise the consumer, when the carpet is measured, of any poorly fitting doors, skirtings, or floorboards and the consumers responsibility to ensure any remedial work to seal draughts, is carried out before the carpet is fitted, if a resulting complaint is to be avoided. page 27

Embracing ‘green’ practices and technologies Phil McCabe (Forum of Private Business)

B

usiness owners think that going green can boost their bottom line, but see major barriers to embracing energy efficiency and environmentalism, according to new research.

Figures from the Forum of Private Business show that just 10 per cent of business owners surveyed have stood still when faced by steep utilities costs, while 41 per cent have pro-actively streamlined business processes in the name of efficiency.

Further, 28 per cent of respondents have taken steps to actively reduce their energy use, with the same number embracing more energy efficient equipment.

However, while 77 per cent disagree that being green is impossible in the present economic climate, more than half of those surveyed said green taxes inhibit their ability to invest in reducing energy use and 75 per cent that environmental legislation focuses on larger businesses rather than small firms.

In all, 52 per cent of the small businesses believe they cannot become more environmentally friendly until they are able to be more profitable.

While some energy suppliers are willing to be

flexible in helping their small business customers to control costs, more than half of the business owners surveyed said they receive no support in reducing bills from suppliers.

In all, just 8 per cent of business owners surveyed by the Forum said regulators have been effective in protecting them from the 'bad practice' of utilities providers, while a significant 87 per cent believe there should be one single government department responsible for utilities regulation and funding schemes.

There is also a perception that government support to help businesses introduce environmental processes, equipment or staff schemes is inadequate.

While 38 per cent of panel members have used or recommended to their staff national or local environmental initiatives, such as the Cycle to Work scheme, 48 per cent have not - with 63 per cent reporting they have not sought support from government agencies or organisations.

Businesses want to be able to effectively measure their energy usage in order to control it, but are sceptical about some of the technologies available page 28

to them, including the new 'smart meters'.

More than 60 per cent of respondents identified the cost of smart meters as a major concern.

Others cited poor information and a lack of government leadership as responsible for a lack of confidence in meter suppliers. Few firms trust that suppliers or utilities regulators will prevent unit prices from rising following the introduction of smart meters.

In all, 24 per cent of businesses surveyed would consider installing energy generating equipment, such as wind turbines or solar panels, if there were more loans or grants to help them to do so, but 20 per cent said they do not believe this is their decision to make because they rent their premises, the property is listed or they are trying to sell it.

However, some businesses renting properties would be interested in receiving information about how tenants and owners can benefit from such improvements - 11 per cent would like to know more about green technology so that they can

maximise their use of it. Just as important for many respondents is accurate information about the costs and pay back terms involved.

In all, poor information (20 per cent) and cost (15 per cent) are seen as the biggest barriers to greater investment in environmental services and equipment.

Clearly, small businesses see the benefits of green practices and technologies to the environment and, given rising energy costs, to their bottom lines.

They are taking steps towards introducing green measures but are being frustrated by the lack of adequate support from the Government and utilities providers.

In order for small firms to be at the forefront of the green agenda they need better information about choice of support and equipment that is available, and incentives to help them embrace environmental processes and trade more sustainably locally, regionally and internationally, rather than ever more taxation.

Items for sale BUSINESS FOR SALE Carpet and Upholstery cleaning services business for sale, established in 2001. Includes Renault Master van (2006) with bespoke fittings for chemical storage.

Premium interactive website with online survey/quotation facility which can be viewed at www.spotlesscleaningservices.com The domain names www.spotlesscleaningproducts and also www.spotlessnetwork domain names included, and online shop facility. Steempro 2000 with all extras, Sebo Vacuum cleaner, karcher hot water extraction stainbuster, orbis cyclical cleaner, chemicals, etc. Leather restoration kit. Regular customer base. Reason for sale: Allergy to chemical products. Sale price £20,000 O.N.O. Tel: 0141 941 2510. Email: spotless@ntlworld.com BUSINESS FOR SALE Small, long-established, reputable NCCA Registered, working carpet, upholstery and soft furnishings cleaning company. Essex based. Owner Operator retiring. To be sold as a complete package only. Mobile HWE and dry cleaning system. Domestic and commercial clients.

Genuine interested parties only please to call 07903 497298 and leave details.

CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND VAN 2 Dryfusion carpet cleaning machines, 2 Drizair 110 dehumidifiers, 2 turbo dryers, 1 Dri-eaz fogging machine, 2 Dryfusion stair tools with pads, 1 Advance Dryfoam rotary upholstery cleaner, plus 1 large sign-written white Fiat Ducato Turbo Diesel van (less than 5 years old mileage 41,000). Total cost: £13,500 ONO. Phone Mike on: 01443 492455 or mob: 07881 807436.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Small carpet and upholstery cleaning business for sale due to imminent retirement. Established over 31 years in North Yorkshire and Cleveland areas. Business complete with Bane Clene truck mount and Ford Transit Van or will sell individually. Phone Derek of Aquamaster to chat on 01845 537640 or email derek@aquamasteryorkshire.co.uk

CURTAIN CLEANING MACHINE Prochem 20A Curtain Cleaning Machine. In perfect working order, tidy for its age. Comes complete with trolley, stainless steel hand tool, various hoses, holdall.

Pat tested. Can email picture if interested. £400 ono.

Price new: £3000. Tel 01749 671016 or paul@sheenservices.co.uk MACHINERY FOR SALE Gloria 5 litre stainless steal pump-up sprayer: £67.50. No VAT.Please call Steve on 07973-264783 or alternatively email : s.matczak@btinternet.com PROCHEM VACUUM HOSE Prochem: 100ft Vacuum hose, 75ft Solution hose for Truck Mount Machine. £100 + VAT. Tel Aastra Clean: 01454 626259.

CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, PATIO AND PATHCLEANING BUSINESS FOR SALE The sale includes full training and ongoing support.

Twenty five years of customer base and goodwill of the north London and Hertfordshire area. Interactive website, plus a VW transporter van, fully wrapped with a comprehensive equipment list. This includes an Ashbys Enforcer 600 psi (only 6months old) and an Ashbys Ninja 500 psi (only 6 months old). For full equipment list and business details, please contact Nicky on: 07774438007 or 0208 807 3722. Please visit: www.therightclean.co.uk MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 3 Ozone plates 4'' x 6'' to fit Jetazone 600 ozone generator - £15.00 for the 3, plus £5.00 p & p.

Chemspec pile lifter & vaccum (old style) in good condition, plus spare bags and spare drive belt - £500.00 plus delivery charge if applicable. Chemspec stainless steel 4 jet floor wand in good condition - £300.00 plus delivery charge if applicable. Ashbys V2 steam mate with hose attachments all in good condition - £100.00 plus delivery charge if applicable. Ashbys stainless steel chewing gum floor wand in good condition - £50.00 plus delivery charge if applicable. Ashbys stainless steel 4'' stair hand tool in good condition - £50.00 plus delivery charge if applicable. Please phone Pete Collins on 07885804560.

VAN & TRUCKMOUNT Hydramaster Boxxer 318 with only 600 hours on the clock, in excellent condition comes with all attachments and chemicals and Ford Transit 51 reg service history and 60,000 miles ply lined and racking for chemical storage in excellent condition. £9000 + vat call 07970 835686 for more details.

MACHINERY FOR SALE Numatic 17" Rotary Deck Machine with new 40ft cable, Driveboard. Shampoo Brush and 10 Bonnet Mops. All in perfect working order. Genuine reason for sale. £350.00 (complete package £800 when new). Please call Tony on 07951 413815 or 0118 3779149.

VAN & TRUCKMOUNT Blue Line ThermalWave HP II - 50hp and Citroen Relay LWB Van. True Twin Wand Operation Truck Mount Cleaning. Asking Price: £17,995 + VAT. Call 0118 931 0516 for more details. Or Visit: www.truckmount.info

The Association advises that all goods are checked to be in a satisfactory condition, and comply to electrical and health and safety standards, etc. It is recommended that equipment serial numbers should be checked to ensure the seller is the legitimate owner. The Association accepts no responsibility or liability arising from any transaction or dispute between the buyer and seller.

page 30

NCCA Shop The NCCA has a number of items to order by members. Below are some of the more popular items purchased. For a full list of merchandise please visit the website on: www.ncca.co.uk.

Orders may be placed online, or you can contact the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550. + PAS86 Code of Practice £40.00 each + Carpet Care Survey Forms (Pad of 100) £19.50 each or £50 for 3

NCCA Associate Members + Alltec Network: 01763 208222 (C/M/F/T) + Amtech UK: 0845 130 4755 (C/M) + Ashby's Cleaning Equipment: 01322 227806 (C/M/E) + Asset Finance Solutions UK Ltd: 01254 584404 (FI) + Bio Productions Ltd (inc. Stapro): 01444 244000 (C) + Camberford Law (insurance brokers): 0208 315 5000 (I) + Chemdry UK: 01482 872770 (C/M/Fr) + Chemspec Europe Ltd: 01274 597333 (C/M/T/D/F)

+ NCCA Lapel Pin Badge £3.00 each

+ Cleanerswarehouse Ltd: 01772 434333 (T/C/R/M)

+ Large NCCA Van Sticker (21x7 inches approx) Pack of 2 for £17.63

+ Cleaning Systems UK: 01334 656787 (C/M/T/F)

+ Small NCCA Van/Machine Sticker (12x3 inches approx) £2.50 each + Promotional Leaflet 10p each (under 500), 8.5p each (500 and over) + NCCA Tie £12.93 each All prices include VAT and Postage and packaging. A receipt invoice will be sent by the office. Please allow 21 days for delivery. Goods will not be sent until payment is received.

+ Cleaning Support Ltd: 0844 8482371 (C/M/W) + Cleansmart Ltd: 0115 8240034 (T/C/R/M/K) + Cleantec Innovation Ltd: 0870 733 7733 (T/C/W/M) + Dri-Eaz: 01908 611211 (C/M/T) + Dry Fusion UK Ltd: 01772 433711 (C/M/T/W/Fr) + Forum of Private Business: 01565 634467 + Gleaming Insurance (insurance brokers): 0845 4740068 (I) + Hi-Tec Cleaning Group: 02866 341416 (C/E/F/M/T) + Host Von Schrader Ltd: 0151 347 1900 (M/C) + Hydro Dynamix: 01622 664993 (Fr) + LTT Leathercare: 01423 881027 (T) + McGregor Lloyd (insurance brokers): 0121 706 0616 (I)

NCCA Member Benefits

+ Nu Life Stone Care Ltd: 0161 480 7284 (M/C)

+ Amicus Legal Ltd (free legal helpline): 01206 366500

+ Prochem Europe Ltd: 0208 974 1515 (C/F/M/T)

+ SiteWizard (website creation) 08450 608860 + EMJ Management Ltd (workwear clothing and accessories): 02392 434650 + Brian James (Marketing Consultant): 08450 608860 + Thompson Local (Ask for Corporate Advertsing Department) 01252 390385 + Yellow Pages (Ask for Corporate Advertising Department) 0808 100 7890 + Adalante Merchant Services 01628 820500 + Payatrader www.payatrader.com

+ Rainbow International: 01623 422488 (M/C/Fr) + Restoration Express: 01252 726106 (M/C/T/A) + ServiceMaster Ltd: 0116 275 9000 (M/C/Fr) + Sebo UK Ltd: 01494 465533 (M) + Stainshield Ltd: 01372 841467 (C) + Textile Cleaning Solutions: 01934 521155 (M/C) + The Big Clean: 0208 3934778 (M,C,W,K) + Truvox International Ltd: 02380 702200 (M) + Vitec Global: 02392 666053 (C) + Woodbridge Comercial Ltd: 01279 422220 (C/M) C - Chemicals / M - Machinery / W - Wholesalers / Fr Franchises / I - Insurance / K - Marketing / T - Technical Services / F - Fire Retardents / A - Auxiliary Services (Restoration Cleaners) / E - Supply/Repair of Curtains and Blinds / Fi - Finance

page 31